I huff a sigh as I mosey my way into the classroom. The bell hasn’t rung yet, so the teacher was out and the students are chatting with each other. Every day I go to class and do my work, come home, do my homework, wake up the next day, and repeat. I’ve moved enough to know the drill, but making friends has never been easy for me. I’m not very social, and I’m so focused on school that I don’t get to show my personality. Few people know who I really am, and my close friends always describe me as fun, sporadic and “the coolest person ever.” So I remain confused to why no one ever wants to talk to me.

It’s lonely sometimes. Connecting with people is difficult, and when I do, it’s obvious they don’t want to hang out with me. Which is why the girl across the room staring at me is a tad confusing. What’s so special about me? “Is that a Deadpool shirt?” she asks, blinking wide brown eyes. I nod quietly. “Deadpool shirt, shark backpack, and Adventure Time keychain. I like you!” She smiles, giving me a thumbs up.